Royal Challengers Bangalore have been hit by the loss of both Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa.
The Australian bowlers have returned home and will not be available for the remainder of IPL 2021.
Pacer Richardson had featured in one game for RCB this tournament but leg-spinner Zampa hadn’t seen any action.
A statement released by the franchise simply said their exit was down to “personal reasons”. However, there is growing concern among players of India’s rising Covid-19 cases.
The RCB statement read: “Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of IPL season.
“Royal Challengers Bangalore offers complete support to them in all the possible way we can.”
Their loss is a blow to RCB after Virat Kohli’s men started IPL 2021 with four wins from five matches.
The pair follow countryman Andrew Tye in leaving the Indian Premier League. He headed for the Rajasthan Royals exit amid concerns about an India lockdown that might prevent him getting home at a later date.
He said: “I just thought I should try and get on the front foot and get home before I got locked out of the country.
“I think I've had 11 days at home and out of the bubble since August. There are definitely concerns,” he added.
“A lot of guys have been in touch today once they realised I was leaving. Some of the guys are very interested in what route I took home and how I approached it.”
Ashwin Taking A Break
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals and India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has decided to take a break from the tournament to be with his family during the pandemic.
He announced his decision on social media following Delhi’s super over victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Ashwin will stay in Chennai to be with his family instead of travelling to Ahmedabad for DC’s next set of matches.
He tweeted: “I would be taking a break from this year’s IPL from tomorrow.
“My family and extended family are putting up a fight against Covid-19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you.”
It means he will have to undergo another period of quarantine should he return later in the tournament.
